Podcast of the Week: Full Belly Laughs

❉ This week: It’s like a dinner party mashed with bar trivia where the contestants are all funny people.

So many podcasts, so little time. We’re big fans of podcasts here at We Are Cult, and we’re always looking for more shows to subscribe to. So if you’re looking for ear candy, we’re here to help!

Each week we profile must-hear podcasts by giving podcast creators a platform to tell us about their shows in their own words.

This week: Brian Durkin tells us all about Full Belly Laughs, the comedy food podcast that’s like a dinner party meets boardgame night.

What’s your podcast about?

We discuss food, games, and Philadelphia. It’s a local-based show with a broad appeal. Anyone that enjoys eating, playing games, and/or has a connection to Philadelphia will enjoy the show. We usually talk about food or at least sample something, then we play some party games to cap off the hang out.

If you had to describe your show in 10 words or less, what would you say?

It’s like a dinner party meets board game night.

Which episode would you recommend for a first-time listener? Do you have a favourite episode?

Episode 69 (funny enough) is a classic example of us pitting two food items against each other. In this episode we debate chocolate chip cookies vs oatmeal raisin cookies. We also play a signature board game on the episode. That’s a great place to start. One of my other favorites is Episode 89 where we discuss bagels. Tony Perkins and Gary Stein really bring it and the riffing is awesome.

What inspired you to create this podcast?

When I had a long work commute I started to listen to podcasts over music. I really liked the intimate format. I was looking for something creative and comedic to do, so it made a lot of sense. The show is an amalgam of everything I like.

Which guests have you had on your podcast so far?

We’ve had some awesome comedians that have appeared on TV or radio. The fore-mentioned Tony Perkins and Gary Stein were really exciting guests to have on the podcast. Some other famous comedians include Trey Gaylon, Jessa Reed, and Shane Mauss.

Who would be your dream guest?

I would love to have Doug Benson. His show Doug Loves Movies was my first podcast, so he kind of inspired me to get into the art form. On DLM they play games, and I know Doug has another podcast where he samples food. I think Full Belly Laughs could actually be a perfect fit since food and games is what we’re about.

Which equipment do you use for your podcast set-up?

Started with a very modest set-up: a H4N Zoom just pointed at the table. From there a mix board with four mics and some mic stands. Over time the set-up continues to improve. Now I use a Zedi10 because it plugs straight into my workhorse PC, so I can record straight into Adobe Audition. I use that because I’m already paying for the Adobe Creative Suite.

What would you say is the best length of time for a podcast episode?

As long as it should be, no more no less. I know that’s a cop out answer, but if the conversation and segments are quality keep it going. This really holds true if a listener can stop and come back later. Part of the problem with some long form podcasts is that you can listen to it on your morning commute, but you can’t really finish it on your way home. Too many references are made as the show goes on that you’ll just forget later in the day. In the dark I would say less than 60 minutes is a good place to start.

Which podcasts (other than yours) would you recommend we listen to?

Matt & Shane’s Secret Podcast is hilarious. It’s two friends that do stand-up just riffing and talking about current events and their lives. Their personalities are original and really funny. This show isn’t for everyone though. These boys do a great job leaning into the context that it’s a comedy show, so they will say and do things that in normal conversation wouldn’t fly, but that’s cool because if you understand it’s all a joke it’s hilarious. Off Book is low key the best podcast somehow no one knows about. Jess McKenna and Zach Reino improvise an entire musical each episode. It’s super funny and just an incredible display of their talents. Check them out because they deserve more love for what they are capable of doing.

Where is your podcast available to listen to?

Pretty much everywhere: iTunes, Soundcloud, Google Play, Stitcher, etc. etc. I would recommend checking Full Belly Laughs out on Laughable, because that’s my favorite app for podcasts. Each episode is tagged with the host and guest, and you can click on that to see every podcast they’ve ever been on. You can also subscribe to a person and not just a show, so you’ll never miss an appearance of your favorite people. It’s been a game changer for me as a listener to stay on top of my favorite comedians, as well as discover new shows.

What is the future of podcasting as a creative medium?

Part of the problem with podcasting right now is measuring success and getting exposure is still brutal, because there really isn’t a common network to discover new content (Laughable though is helping to fix that). Like a YouTuber can garner new fans thanks to the algorithm of the platform, but podcasters don’t really have something like that. I think a podcast platform will come out as a winner that will help connect fans with the types of shows they like, and that will be a game changer.

❉ Follow Full Belly Laughs on Twitter: @FullBellyLaughs

❉ Download past episodes or subscribe to future episodes of Full Belly Laughs on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/full-belly-laughs/id1081895497?mt=2


❉ Have you got a podcast? Email wearecultcontent@gmail.com if you would like it to be featured.

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